The Vacheron Constantin Carrée Historique, a re-edition of a 1936 design, was launched in 2000 as a limited series of 600 pieces. It was offered in four distinct metals: yellow, pink, and white gold, as well as platinum.
This squared timepiece is a masterclass in Art Deco design, most notably through its distinctive block-shaped stepped lugs that anchor each corner of the case. The present white gold example has a 35mm length and a commanding wrist presence. Its sigma-style dial continues the geometric theme with applied gold markers set within a matching cut-out relief. This cohesive, block-like aesthetic is meticulously maintained, even in the squared typeface of the ’60’ seconds marker on the sunken subsidiary dial.
Powered by oversized faceted sword hands, the watch is both quirky and profoundly sophisticated. Flipping it over reveals the beautifully finished manual-wind Caliber 1017, based on a JLC 822 ébauche, which offers a 45-hour power reserve.
